Social Media Game for Increasing Physical Activity in Aging Women
(CHALLENGE Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byElizabeth Lyons, PhD, MPH

Age: 65+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will test the effects of a social media game on the physical activity of older adult women. The game will consist of playful weekly challenges that require sharing photographs on a private social media group and also wearing an activity monitor to track steps. Participants will be randomized to this game group or to receive the activity monitor only.

Research Team

Elizabeth Lyons, PhD, MPH

Principal Investigator

University of Texas

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adult women aged 65-85 who are comfortable using Facebook and the internet. They must be able to read English, have daily access to a mobile device for taking photos, and agree to random group assignment. Exclusions include safety concerns, psychological issues like dementia or schizophrenia, certain physical limitations, high BMI over 40 or under 18, and current participation in other activity programs.

Inclusion Criteria

I am female.

I am between 65 and 85 years old.

I am willing to join a private Facebook group.

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Exclusion Criteria

Participant answered 'yes' to any question on the PAR-Q+ and does not provide a doctor's note giving permission to begin a physical activity program

I walked less than 475 meters in a 6-minute test.

Participant reports psychological issues that would interfere with study completion. Examples will be provided to illustrate potential psychological issues, such as dementia or schizophrenia.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Social media game (Behavioral Intervention)
Standard self-regulation (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study examines if a social media game with weekly challenges can boost physical activity in older women. Participants will either join this game and share photos on Facebook while wearing an activity monitor or just use the monitor without the game.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Social media gameExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Private Facebook group with weekly walking challenges, Fitbit wearable activity monitor, and brief counseling

Group II: Standard self-regulationActive Control1 Intervention

Fitbit wearable activity monitor and brief counseling